U.S. WOMEN'S NATIONAL TEAM

August 5, 2012ILLEGAL TACTICSCanada coach Herdman makes claim against U.S. on its corner kicks

By Michael LewisBigAppleSoccer.com Editor

MANCHESTER -- Canada women's soccer coach John Herdman on Sunday claimed the United States players use "illegal tactics" on corner kicks.

Herdman made his remarks on the eve of the U.S.-Canada clash in Monday's Olympic semifinal match at Old Trafford.

Herdman said the U.S. players have set picks on deadball situations, citing, for example, striker Abby Wambach's goal off a corner kick in the 4-2 opening win over France last week.

"That's got to be paid real attention to," he said during a press conference at Old Trafford on Sunday. "Some of the blocking tactics are highly illegal and we'll keep an eye on that in the game."

North Korea discovered a way to successfully counter those tactics in its 1-0 group-stage loss to the Americans, Herdman said.

"We've started working on that in training without injuring our players," he said. "The Koreans came up with a good strategy after the eighth illegal block. Obviously they're trying to free up a key player but in a very illegal way.

"Go back and look at some of the goals and you'll see what they're up to."

Because the American press conference was held prior to Herdman's remarks, the U.S. did not have an opportunity respond to Herdman.